Since the start of the pandemic, patients of Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice have witnessed first-hand how the dedication of Home Care nurses, therapists, aides, and social workers face challenges with inspiration and resolve.
To maximize safety, the Home Care and Hospice team has continued to adapt to changing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local authorities to protect themselves and their patients. Despite a new “norm” that requires more time and attention to screenings, protective equipment, and sanitation, the Home Care and Hospice team continues the Redeemer tradition—to Care, Comfort, and Heal—with great flexibility, discipline, and commitment.
In fact, many members of the Home Care and Hospice team point out how they remain more determined than ever to help patients and families cope during these challenging times. “One key issue we see is dealing with transportation challenges and obtaining medications when usual caregivers cannot be in physical contact due to COVID-19 precautions,” says Amanda Hiner, an RN who has worked with Home Care patients for almost two decades.
Alicia Campbell, who directs Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice Mercer County, reinforces Amanda’s observation. “Many patients view us as a lifeline because family members and other caregivers are not able to attend to their needs due to visitation restrictions,” she says.
It is exactly this devotion to patients that, during the height of the pandemic, enabled Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice to continue services for new and existing patients—including those coping with COVID-19—when other care options began to narrow.
Even more, the Home Care team devised a new protocol, called the Pulse Ox Program, to promote early detection of COVID-19 complications. The program actively monitors a patient’s symptoms through a combination of home visits, symptom monitoring, and phone calls. Additionally, the Home Care nurse can arrange for additional medical intervention if it is needed.
“Having an in-home monitoring program supports our care initiatives by alerting us early to changes in a patient’s health status,” says Alicia.
Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice continues to strictly follow Safe Care protocols. Every day, team members are carefully screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Those who present with possible symptoms are further evaluated by Holy Redeemer’s Occupational Health Department and quarantined as needed. Additionally, our Home Care and Hospice team uses appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended by the CDC, while being sure to dispose of materials and disinfect between cases. Additionally, every team member maintains physical distancing when possible and always practices good hand sanitation.
If you would like more information about Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice, please call 1-888-678-8678 or visit www.holyredeemer.com/homecare.
